Choose Bar for transport links and infrastructure. Choose Ulcinj for beach quality and unique culture.
Overall Comparison
Bar
Average score
Ulcinj
Average score
Bar vs Ulcinj: Which is right for you?
Bar and Ulcinj are Montenegro's southern coastal towns, both offering significantly lower prices than the famous northern coast. This comparison helps you choose between these budget-friendly markets.
Bar is Montenegro's main port city with ferry links to Italy and the railway to Belgrade. Ulcinj is the country's southernmost town with its unique Ottoman heritage and famous 13km Long Beach.
Both offer genuine beach lifestyle at Montenegro's most accessible prices. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise transport links or beach quality, infrastructure or character.
Category Breakdown
Beaches
Decent beaches at Sutomore and nearby. Nice but not exceptional.
Velika Plaža (Long Beach) is 13km of sandy beach - Montenegro's longest. Ada Bojana island. Exceptional.
Transport Links
Ferry to Italy (Bari), railway to Belgrade, good road connections. Best-connected coastal town.
Remote location. 45+ minutes to Podgorica Airport. No ferry or rail. Harder to reach.
Property Prices
Affordable at €1,500-€2,500/m². Good value for coastal property.
Cheapest coastal prices at €1,200-€2,000/m². Genuine bargains available.
Cultural Character
Modern port city with some historic interest (Old Bar). Practical rather than charming.
Unique Ottoman heritage, Albanian majority, distinct cultural identity. Genuinely different character.
Water Sports
Basic water sports available. Nothing special.
World-class kitesurfing. Velika Plaža and Ada Bojana attract international kitesurfers. Major draw.
Infrastructure
Better infrastructure as main port. Supermarkets, services, urban amenities.
Less developed infrastructure. More basic services. Improving but still limited.
Expat Community
Growing expat presence. Mix of nationalities. Developing community.
Smaller international presence. More Albanian and Middle Eastern buyers than Western European.
Year-Round Living
Maintains activity year-round as working port. Less seasonal than tourist towns.
More seasonal with quieter winters. Basic services year-round but less activity.
Our Verdict
Choose Bar if...
Bar is right for you if you want ferry access to Italy, train connections to Serbia, growing expat community, and more developed infrastructure.
Browse Bar propertiesChoose Ulcinj if...
Ulcinj is right for you if you want Montenegro's best sandy beach, unique Ottoman culture, kitesurfing lifestyle, and the lowest coastal prices.
Browse Ulcinj propertiesFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
Ulcinj is Montenegro's cheapest coastal area. Expect to pay 15-25% less than equivalent Bar properties. Both are much cheaper than Budva/Kotor.
Which is better for budget investment?
Bar offers more balanced year-round appeal and better transport links. Ulcinj offers lowest entry prices but more seasonal and niche demand.
Which has better beaches?
Ulcinj by far - its Long Beach is 13km of sand and genuinely spectacular. Bar area has decent beaches but nothing comparable.
Are these areas suitable for expats?
Bar has a growing expat community with better infrastructure. Ulcinj suits more adventurous buyers comfortable with limited English and different cultural atmosphere.